Whale Sharks are 28 to 45 miles far from Holbox, so we use a SPECIAL BOAT that is very safe, comfortable and fast.

• comfortable semi-rigid boat. The safest boat worldwide also used by Greenpeace & WWF.

• 29 feet x 12 feet wide (9 x 3.5 meters)

• Quick Navigation: half time than other boats. We have 2 engines 300 HP each

• Be safe for unsinkable

• Freshwater shower.

• Bilingual guide

• Oxygen tank for first aid on board

• Onboard satellite phone

• For your safety the trip is monitored with satellite tracking.

Itinerary

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• Meeting point at Hotel Mawimbi, light breakfast and delivery of the equipment

• We sail to the sighting area that is between 28 and 45 miles. In our search for the largest fish in the world it is also possible to find dolphins, stingrays, turtles and other marine species.

• Once you are in Whale Shark, the swimming activity begins...

• The tour continues with snorkel in Cabo Catoche: explosion of colors of the soft coral reefs where sometimes it is possible to see nurse Shark,  turtles and other species of Flora and Fauna of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

• Finally, we refresh ourselves in the Natural Spa of the “Santa Paula” lagoon. Swimming pool and natural aquarium of colorful fish where you can also occasionally observe flamingos and other birds. In the tranquility of this place you will enjoy our box lunch and refreshing drinks.

• You are allowed to wear BIODEGRADABLE sunscreen on the tour We recommend wearing a long-sleeve shirt even if there is shade on the boat

• Return to the Holbox pier

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Duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours.

VIP Holbox Experience / Holbox Whale Shark Tours: the best and the most professional travel agency on Isla Holbox. We have the highest quality standards. We know how your stay in Holbox is important to you and we strive for excellence to give you an experience you'll remember all your life.

Our office is located in the heart of Isla Holbox, on the Gulf of Mexico. Just a short two-hour drive from the Cancun Airport and the Riviera Maya Resort areas. We are proud to be one of the first companies ever to do the whale shark excursion on Isla Holbox. 

Live a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our Tour

Holbox Whale Shark Tours / VIP Holbox offers you a real VIP experience:

ALL EQUIPMENT included: 

snorkeling gear & life jacket.

FOOD: 

We are the only whale shark tour to offer so much! Apart from cold water and soda during your tour, we also offer: 

• BREAKFAST: Have a great start at the V.I.P Holbox Office with a light breakfast including coffee, tea, fruits, yoghurt and sweet buns. Where our professional staff give all the required day’s information & safety briefing.
• LUNCH: Enjoy the freshest fish ceviche of your life (lobster seasonally). Served with tortilla chips
  

Itinerary

Get ready for an unforgettable day.

We meet at the V.I.P Holbox Office at 6:30. We have a small briefing, give you the necessary equipment, and offer you a light breakfast to have a great start. Then, we walk to the pier, where our boat is waiting to start our journey to find the whale sharks. The trip will take us between one and two hours and we may find different species on our way (if we see a giant manta and its behavior permits it, we can also swim with this harmless creature). Once in the area, we will swim by the whale shark in groups of two plus the guide, for safety reasons and to ensure you get the best experience.

On our way back, we will stop near Cabo Catoche to snorkel the “cuevones” reef and maybe see sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopuses, and different reef fish. During our journey, we will prepare the freshest ceviche. Finally, we will go to Santa Paula, where we can stretch our legs, have a pleasant swim and enjoy our ceviche. From this point, we have a 45-minute journey back to Holbox.

Bring

• Swimming suit
• Hat
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunprotection
• Your own snorkeling gear if you prefer using yours
• Mask
• Your contagious good humour!
  

Inclusions

• Comfortable boat in perfect condition with GPS
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bilingual guide
• Light breakfast at office: coffee, tea, fruits, yoghurt and sweet buns
• Cooler on board with water, sodas
• The freshest fish ceviche of your life served with tortillas chips

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation more than 7 days in advance: 

  cancellation fee: no pemalties / 100% refund

Cancellation less than 7 days before the tour: 

  cancellation fee: deposit

Cancellation Previous
day of the tour, before 3 pm

  Cancellation
fee: 20% of the tour fee

Previous
day of the tour, after 3 pm and no-show

  Cancellation fee: 100% of the
tour fee. // No refund.(in
case we find a paying client to take your seat, we’ll keep your deposit but
provide a partial refund.)

Read our
entire reservation and cancellation policy here.

Restrictions

Children under 6 years old are not allowed. This trip is not recommended for pregnant women, the elderly and/or people with back problems, because of the type of movement the boat might have. In such cases, we will ask for a medical certificate to allow participation.

Click here to see the location of VIP Holbox office 

Book Now

The Route

Our adventure starts with an hour to a two-hour boat ride out to the Whale Shark Sanctuary. On our way to the area, we might get lucky and will be able to see several types of marine life species such as dolphins, manta rays, and turtles.

Once we spot the whale shark you will enjoy snorkelling experiences with these peaceful beautiful creatures our team of highly trained, qualified tour guides is dedicated to providing the safest, most educational experience possible.

Includes

• Certified, bilingual guide

• Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins etc

• Ceviche

• Box Lunch (Ham & Cheese Sandwich)

• Coldwater. Refreshments.

• Snorkeling at Cabo Catoche

Additional Information

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or people with spinal problems, as we cannot control the pressure produced by sea waves. Please consult your doctor ahead of booking should you be susceptible to injury or have an existing condition.

Duration

Between 6 and 8 hours

Departure

Whale Shark Pier

Arrival

The tour ends at the main whale shark pier

Not included

• Taxi to/from the meeting point

• Bottle/Thermos (recommended)

• Face Masks• Tips

Our whale shark tours provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for your family. 

Book Now

The Route

The meeting point

We meet at Whale Shark Pier. We have a small briefing, give you the necessary equipment. Our boat and captain will be waiting to start our journey to find the whale sharks. 

The swimming

The trip will take us between one and two hours and we may find different species on our way (if we see a giant manta and its behaviour permits it, we can also swim with this harmless creature). Once in the area, we will swim by the whale shark in groups of two plus the guide, for safety reasons, to respect these gentle giants, and to ensure you get the best experience. 

Snorkelling

On our way back, we will stop near Cabo Catoche to snorkel the “cuevones” reef and maybe see sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopuses, and different reef fish. 

Laidback beach & ceviche
Finally, we will go to Santa Paula, where we can stretch our legs, have a pleasant swim and enjoy the freshest ceviche made by our team. From this point, we have a 45-minute journey back to Holbox.

Includes

• Certified, bilingual guide

• Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins etc

• Ceviche

• Coldwater. Refreshments.

Additional Information

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or people with spinal problems, as we cannot control the pressure produced by sea waves. Please consult your doctor ahead of booking should you be susceptible to injury or have an existing condition.

Duration

Between 6 and 8 hours

Departure

Whale Shark Pier

Arrival

The tour ends at the main whale shark pier

Not included

• Taxi to/from the meeting point

• Bottle/Thermos (recommended)

• Face Masks• Tips

Our tours are not just about swimming among the whale sharks, we are committed to educating you about these amazing creatures 

Book Now

The Route

Swim with one of the largest animals in the world, enjoy the trip aboard our fast boats to the Mexican Caribbean, where you can observe and swim with one of the largest animals, snorkel in a natural reef with a lot of marine diversity and savour a delicious Fish ceviche in one of the most paradisiacal beaches called Cabo Catoche.

Includes

• Certified, bilingual guide

• Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins etc

• Ceviche

• Coldwater. Refreshments.

Additional Information

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or people with spinal problems, as we cannot control the pressure produced by sea waves. Please consult your doctor ahead of booking should you be susceptible to injury or have an existing condition.

Duration

Between 6 and 8 hours

Departure

Whale Shark Pier

Arrival

The tour ends at the main whale shark pier

Not included

• Taxi to/from the meeting point

• Bottle/Thermos (recommended)

• Face Masks• Tips

Swimming with whale sharks is an experience you will never forget

Book Now

The Route

The meeting point  Whale Shark pier 

7:00 am

Time to get on the boat ramp and climb onboard the 26-metre Magdalena, one of our modern and well-equipped vessels. Once onboard, wetsuits and snorkel equipment are fitted, the crew are introduced, and a vessel safety brief is given. 

The swimming

We cruise through the pacific water and the marine adventure begins. Once in the area, we will swim by the whale shark in groups of two plus the guide, for safety reasons, to respect these gentle giants, and to ensure you get the best experience. 

Snorkelling 

On our way back, we will stop near Cabo Catoche to snorkel the “cuevones". Here we have the chance to see: A reef, maybe see sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopuses, and different reef fish. 

If required, assistance and snorkel tuition can be provided by your tour guides. Floatation aids are also available. While you are in the water, we always have our safety tender close by too.

Laidback beach & ceviche
Finally, we will go to Santa Paula, where we can stretch our legs, have a pleasant swim and enjoy the freshest ceviche made by our team. From this point, we have a 45-minute journey back to Holbox.

Includes

• Certified, bilingual guide

• Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins etc

• Ceviche

• Coldwater. Refreshments.

Additional Information

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or people with spinal problems, as we cannot control the pressure produced by sea waves. Please consult your doctor ahead of booking should you be susceptible to injury or have an existing condition.

Duration

Between 6 and 8 hours

Departure

Whale Shark Pier

Arrival

The tour ends at the main whale shark pier

Not included

• Taxi to/from the meeting point

• Bottle/Thermos (recommended)

• Face Masks• Tips

You’re safe in the hands of our experienced crew

Book Now

The Route

First, you will get to meet the crew, then departure at 7 am, We’ll take exceptional care of you, fit you for your fins..... 

When a Whale Shark has been spotted, You and your guide drop in and get up close and personal to the world's biggest fish, this is your chance to experience wonder and marvel at the sheer size, grace and elegance of the biggest fish in the world. Most of these sharks are between 4 and 12 metres long but have been known to grow as large as 18 metres! 

At our first snorkel site Cabo Catoche you will discover tropical fish, turtles and potentially even manta rays. Our guides will be right there with you in the water to steer you in the right direction, while you enjoy your swim, we will prepare a fresh ceviche. later we go down to the beach next to Cabo Catoche you enjoy a nice walk on the beach Our last stop is punta mosquito where you can see flamingos & so many different birds.

Our trip ends back into the Whale Shark pier

Includes

• Certified, bilingual guide

• Snorkeling equipment, mask, fins etc

• Ceviche

• Fruit plater

• Coldwater. Refreshments.

• Snorkeling at Cabo Catoche

Additional Information

This tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old or recommended for pregnant women, the elderly, or people with spinal problems, as we cannot control the pressure produced by sea waves. Please consult your doctor ahead of booking should you be susceptible to injury or have an existing condition.

Duration

Between 6 and 8 hours

Departure

Whale Shark Pier

Arrival

The tour ends at the main whale shark pier

Not included

• Taxi to/from the meeting point

• Bottle/Thermos (recommended)

• Face Masks• Tips

Spent the day swimming with Whale Sharks, maybe Manta Rays and hundreds of tropical fish in the warm clear waters of Holbox